Why Wine Gives Some People Headaches

why wine gives some people headaches

Ever sipped a glass of wine only to be hit with a pounding headache later?

You’re not alone.

Wine-induced headaches are a frequent lament of many wine lovers.

Let’s dive deep and uncover why this happens.

 

The Science Behind the Ache

Histamine and Grape Skins

Red wine can be sneaky.

Especially when it comes to its histamine content.

Found in grape skins, histamine levels are generally higher in red wines.

Why? Because red wine uses the whole grape, including the skin.

If your body struggles with breaking down histamine, red wine might just amplify that headache for you.

 

Tannins and Their Sneaky Ways

Remember those tannins that give your wine that unique taste?

They might be behind your headache.

Tannins can cause your brain to release serotonin.

Too much of it?

Bam, a headache!

But tannins aren’t villains.

They also pack your wine with antioxidants.

 

Sulfites: Not the Usual Suspects

Many point fingers at sulfites.

But here’s a fun fact: sulfites are more likely to give you breathing issues than a headache.

Plus, white wines and several foods have sulfites too.

So, let’s not be too quick to blame them.

 

The Role of Polyphenols

Other compounds?

Polyphenols.

They’re in the mix too, playing their part in the wine-induced headache drama.

 

Alcohol and Your Blood Vessels

All alcohol, including your beloved wine, can dilate blood vessels in the brain.

And that can lead to headaches.

The trick? Don’t drink on an empty stomach or when dehydrated.

Oh, and always pace yourself.

Nobody likes a rush, especially your head.

 

 

Wine Styles More Likely to Induce Headaches

Natural Wines: The Ambiguous Heroes

Natural wines, low-intervention wines, organic wines.

They sound healthy, right?

But sometimes, they’re the ones causing that throb in your head.

The challenge?

There’s no concrete definition for these wines.

This leads to ambiguity, causing headaches for consumers (pun intended!).

 

Sparkling Wines: Bubbly but Troublesome

Those bubbles you love?

They might be troublesome.

Especially organic ones.

But remember, it’s not a rule.

Just a cautionary note.

 

Red Wines: Low Acidity and Malolactic Fermentation

Low-acidity red wines have a higher pH.

And most red wines undergo a process called malolactic fermentation.

Both these factors can contribute to that pounding in your head.

 

Talk to Wine Producers

Don’t be shy.

Ask wine producers about their wines.

If you’re looking at USDA Organic-Certified wines, check if they add sulfur.

 

 

Wine is a gift.

But the headaches?

Not so much.

As consumers, let’s get educated.

 

 

FAQ

  1. Does white wine cause headaches too?

    Yes, but usually less frequently than reds. It’s all about the compounds.

  2. Are sulfites the main headache culprits?

    Not necessarily. While they’re often blamed, they’re more likely to cause breathing issues.

  3. Can I prevent wine headaches?

    Pace yourself. Stay hydrated. Choose wines wisely. And always consult with wine producers for more insights!

 

Resources:

https://vinepair.com/

 

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